Method of framing a picture and product thereof

ABSTRACT

A photographic film pack container assembly is converted into a frame for photographs and the like by inserting the picture in the framing opening, maintaining the picture in position by the pack retainer, and securing the back cover to the assembly only at one end thereof and at an angle to the balance of the assembly, thereby providing leaning support for vertical pictures. In the alternative, pressure tines in the back cover are bent rearwardly, providing leaning support for horizontal pictures.

United States Patent Kobusch METHOD OF FRAMING A PICTURE AND'PRODUCT THEREOF [72] Inventor: Earl W. Kobusch, 6001 Claremont,

Kansas City, Mo. 64133 [22] Filed: May 10, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 141,867

[52] U.S. Cl ..40/l52.1 [51] Int. Cl ..G09f1/12 [58] Field of Search ..40/124.l, 152.1, 152, 154

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 890,357 6/1908 l-Iasselbring .;....40/l 56 2,089,797 8/1937 Horbatuck ..40/124.1 X 2,388,431 11/1952 Neiman ..40/l52 3,340,638 9/1967 Bergh et al. ..40/l52 [1s] r 3,701,209 1451 Oct. 31, 1972 3,545,111 Spiegel et al. ..40/1s2.1

Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant ExaminerWenceslao J. Contreras Attorney--Fishburn, Gold & Litman [57] ABSTRACT A photographic film pack container assembly is converted into a frame for photographs and the like by inserting the picture in the framing opening, maintaining I the picture in position by the pack retainer, and securing the back cover to the assembly only at one end thereof and at an angle to the balance of the assembly, thereby providing leaning support for vertical pictures. In the alternative, pressure tines in the back cover are bent rearwardly, providing leaning support for horizontal pictures.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED our 3 1 m2 SHEET 1 BF 2 INVENTOR. Earl W. Kobusch fi d m ATTORNEYS METHOD OF FRAMING A PICTURE AND PRODUCT THEREOF This invention relates to a method of framing photographs and the like and the article produced thereby, and more particularly, to the conversion of photographic film pack containers to picture frames.

In recent years the use of photographic film packs in place of roll film by amateur photographers has become common. The empty film packs are often not returned to the manufacturer or processor thus producing a disposal problem. By the practice of this invention, the empty film pack container is modified and utilized as a picture frame, for example, to frame a picture taken with the film pack, thereby not only avoiding the disposal problem but creating a further utility for the container.

It is, therefore, the principle objects of the present invention: to provide a method of converting film pack containers to picture frames; to provide a picture frame produced from an empty film pack container otherwise normally discarded; to provide such a picture frame which lends itself to attractive decoration; to provide a method for utilizing empty photographic film pack containers, thereby avoiding the necessity of disposal; and to provide such a method which is simple and easily taught to unskilled persons.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a photographic film pack container modified in accordance with this invention and displaying a picture in a vertical position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a photographic film pack container modified in accordance with this invention and displaying a picture in a horizontal position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the rear of the structure shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the various parts of the film pack container for assembly with a picture therein.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation on an enlarged scale showing the joint between the rear cover and the framing receiver in the structure of FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings in more detail:

The reference numeral 1 generally indicates a photographic film pack container modified in accordance with this invention. The container 1 illustrated herein is of the type commonly marketed by the Poloroid Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts for Land film and includes a rectangular framing receiver 2 having a front wall 3 with a rectangular opening 4 therethrough.

An opposed pair of side boxing flanges 5 and 6 and end boxing flanges 7 and 8 extend normally (i.e., at right angles to) and rearwardly of the front wall 3, the end flange 8 having a depth substantially equal to the side flanges 5 and 6 but greater than the end flange 7, FIG. 4.

The pack container 1 includes a dividing member or retainer 9 adapted to be fitted within the receiver 2 and having a front planar wall 10 with side flanges 11 and 12 extending normally and rearwardly thereof. The side flanges 11 and 12 are adapted to engage the interior of the receiver side boxing flanges 5 and 6 for maintaining the retainer 9 in an inserted position within the receiver 2.

The pack container 1 further includes a rear cover 13 having a planar wall 14 with a pair of opposed side lips 15 and 16 extendable over and engageable with the exterior of the receiver side boxing flanges 5 and 6. The rear cover 13 also has an end lip 17 normally extending over and engageable with the end boxing flange 8 of the receiver 2. In addition, the pack rear cover 13 includes pressure tines 18, 19, 20 and 21 integral with the rear cover wall 14 and adjacent the respective side lips 15 and 16. The tines 18-21 are'normally resiliently engaged with the wall 10 of the retainer 9.

When the container 1 is emptied of film and taken from a camera (not shown) it consists of-the receiver 2, retainer 9 and rear cover 13 assembled into a unit. In practicing this invention, the rear cover 13 is removed from the receiver 2 by applying separating pressure particularly at the side lips 15 and 16. The retainer 9 is then removed, normally being held in position by light friction between the flanges 11 and 12 of the retainer and flanges 5 and 6 of the receiver.

The photograph or other picture 22, desired to be framed, is then inserted within the receiver 2 into framing relation with the rectangular opening 4 and the retainer 9 is replaced into normal position therebehind. It is desirable to slightly bend the retainer flanges 11 and 12 outwardly, thus increasing the frictional fit within the receiver 2 and thereby securely clamping the picture 22 in framing position. The retainer front wall 10 urges the photograph or picture 22 snugly against the receiver front wall 3.

If the photograph or picture 22 is to be viewed with the longitudinal dimension upright (vertically), the rear cover 13 is then secured to the receiver 2 by engaging the side lips 15 and 16 to the receiver side flanges 5 and 6 only adjacent the receiver end flange 8. The rear cover end lip 17 is brought into engagement with the receiver end flange 8, either on the outside (as shown, FIGS. 1 and 5) or inside (not shown) and the rear cover 13 is rotated to a sufficient angle with the receiver 2 to provide a propping or leaning support therefor. Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the rear cover side lips engage the receiver side flanges at 23 forming a hinging structure which is partially limited in outward degree of rotation by friction and further by means of the engagement between the rear cover end lip 17 and the receiver end flange 8. Thus, a sufficiently sturdy and serviceable frame support for the photograph or picture 22 is produced.

If desired, suitable decoration may be applied to exposed portions of the receiver 3. In this example, a suitable decorative contact paper 24 is applied to the exterior of the front wall 3 and side flanges 5 and 6. Further, the receiver 2 includes a raised ledge 25 along the periphery of the rectangular opening 4 which may be easily changed in color by the application of a suitable coloring material to enhance the decorative effect.

In the event the picture is to be viewed with the longitudinal axis extending horizontally, as photograph 26, FIG. 2, the picture is inserted as described above, however, the rear cover 13 is completely reengaged with the receiver 2 rather than partially rotated outwardly therefrom. To provide a prop or leaning support, one or two of the tines 18-21 are bent outwardly, as shown by tines 18 and 19 in FIG. 3.

I Through the practice of the above invention, a valuable use is made of the otherwise discarded film pack container 1 without the need for unusual manipulative skills or efforts.

It is to beunderstood that although certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not to be limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. The method of framing a photograph or the like using an empty photographic film pack container of the type including a rectangular framing receiver with a front wall having an opening therethrough and opposed pairs of side flanges and an end boxing flange extending rearwardly of said front wall, said pack container including a retainer adapted to fitting within said receiver and having a front wall with side flanges extending rearwardly thereof and engaging said receiver side boxing flanges, said pack container including a rear cover having a pair of opposed side lips extendable over and engageable with said receiver side flanges and an end lip normally extending over and engageable with said receiver end flange; said method comprising:

a. separating said receiver from said retainer and inserting the photograph or the like between said receiver flanges and in framing relation to said opening,

b. securing said photograph or the like in said framing relation by fitting said retainer into said receiver with said retainer side flanges engaging said receiver side flanges and said retainer front wall urging said photograph against said receiver front wall, and

c. securing said rear. cover to said receiver.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear cover is secured to said receiver a. by engaging said rear cover side lips to said receiver side flanges only adjacent said receiver end flange with said rear cover end lip engaging said receiver end flange and said rear cover forms a sufficient angle with said receiver to provide leaning support therefor.

3. The method of framing a photograph or the like as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear cover has a wall including pressure tines integral therewith adjacent said side lips and normally resiliently engageable with said retainer wall and wherein said rear cover side lips are completely engaged with said receiver side flanges; said method further including the step of:

a. bending at least one of saidpressure tines rearwardly of said rear cover to a position providing leaning support for said film pack container.

4. A combination picture and frame comprising;

a. a photographic film pack container of the type including a rectangular framing receiver with a front wall having an opening therethrough-and opposed pairs of side flanges and an end boxing flange extending rearwardly of said front wall,

b. said pack container including a retainer fitted within said receiver and having a front wall with side flanges extending rearwardly thereof and engaging said receiver side boxing flanges,

c. said pack container including a rear cover having a pair of opposed side lips extending over and engaging with said receiver side flanges and an end lip extending over and engaging with said receiver d flan (1. said pac rear cover including pressure tines mtegral with said rear cover adjacent said side lips and resiliently engageable with said retainer wall, and

e. a picture retained between said receiver and retainer in framing relation to said opening.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 4 wherein:

a. said rear coveris secured to said receiver only adjacent said one receiver end flange with said rear cover end lip engaging said receiver end flange and with said rear cover forming a sufficient angle with said receiver to provide leaning support therefor.

6. The combination as set forth in claim 4 wherein:

a. at least one of said pressure tines is bent rearwardly of said rear cover into a position providing leaning support for said film pack container.

7. The method as set forth in claim 1 including the step of:

a. adding decorative material to an exposed portion of said framing receiver. 

1. The method of framing a photograph or the like using an empty photographic film pack container of the type including a rectangular framing receiver with a front wall having an opening therethrough and opposed pairs of side flanges and an end boxing flange extending rearwardly of said front wall, said pack container including a retainer adapted for fitting within said receiver and having a front wall with side flanges extending rearwardly thereof and engaging said receiver side boxing flanges, said pack container including a rear cover having a pair of opposed side lips extendable over and engageable with said receiver side flanges and an end lip normally extending over and engageable with said receiver end flange; said method comprising: a. separating said receiver from said retainer and inserting the photograph or the like between said receiver flanges and in framing relation to said opening, b. securing said photograph or the like in said framing relation by fitting said retainer into said receiver with said retainer side flanges engaging said receiver side flanges and said retainer front wall urging said photograph against said receiver front wall, and c. securing said rear cover to said receiver.
 2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear cover is secured to said receiver a. by engaging said rear cover side lips to said receiver side flanges only adjacent said receiver end flange with said rear cover end lip engaging said receiver end flange and said rear cover forms a sufficient angle with said receiver to provide leaning support therefor.
 3. The method of framing a photograph or the like as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear cover has a wall including pressure tines integral therewith adjacent said side lips and normally resiliently engageable with said retainer wall and wherein said rear cover side lips are completely engaged with said receiver side flanges; said method further including the step of: a. bending at least one of said pressure tines rearwardly of said rear cover to a position providing leaning support for said film pack container.
 4. A combination picture and frame comprising; a. a photographic film pack container of the type including a rectangular framing receiver with a front wall having an opening therethrough and opposed pairs of side flanges and an end boxing flange extending rearwardly of said front wall, b. said pack container including a retainer fitted within said receiver and having a front wall with side flanges extending rearwardly thereof and engaging said receiver side boxing flanges, c. said pack container including a rear cover having a pair of opposed side lips extending over and engaging with said receiver side flanges and an end lip extending over and engaging with said receiver end flange, d. said pack rear cover including pressure tines integral with said rear cover adjacent said side lips and resiliently engageable with said retainer wall, and e. a picture retained between said receiver and retainer in framing relation to said opening.
 5. The combination as set forth in claim 4 wherein: a. said rear cover is secured to said receiver only adjacent said one receiver end flange with said rear cover end lip engaging said receiver end flange and with said rear cover forming a sufficient angle with said receiver to provide leaning support therefor.
 6. The combination as set forth in claim 4 wherein: a. at least one of said pressure tines is bent rearwardly of said rear cover into a position providing leaning support for said film pack container.
 7. The method as set forth in claim 1 including the step of: a. adding decorative material to an exposed portion of said framing receiver. 